Management of water discharge-related impacts

Norte Energia adopts a structured and integrated approach to water resources management in line with current legislation – Law No. 9433/1997, Conama No. 357/2005, and Conama No. 396/2008 – and the IFC performance standards.  

The Belo Monte Water Resources Management Plan aims to monitor impacts on surface and groundwater resources, suggesting mitigation actions if necessary.  

During operations, impacts are assessed using a matrix for assessing environmental aspects and impacts, based on internal standard IP-PR 020, which identifies risks and defines operational controls, with a focus on water quality. This matrix is updated every two years or according to changes in activities, covering the municipalities of Altamira and Vitória do Xingu. 

One of the main control instruments is that of limnological analyses and surface water quality monitoring, which uses bioindicator species to detect changes in the aquatic environment resulting from construction works, reservoir filling and plant operation. The program has been running for 13 years, with collections carried out weekly, biweekly, monthly and quarterly at strategic points, covering the upstream of the Xingu Reservoir up to the downstream of Belo Monte. 

Due to the actions implemented, the Xingu River is designated a class 2 water body, according to Conama Resolution No. 357/2005. This ensures the water’s suitability for human supply (after treatment), recreational activities, aquaculture and irrigation. 

Furthermore, structural measures in Altamira contributed significantly to the quality of water and the quality of life of the population, such as the implementation of sewage collection and treatment systems, pumping stations and treatment units, providing more than 90% of the urban population with access to basic sanitation. 

The Company monitors the quality and quantity of water and liquid effluents periodically, and the results are presented in audits and annual reports sent to Ibama and ANA.